With cooler temperatures a sign of winter approaching, motorists are being advised to ensure their vehicle is road worthy.
The warning comes during Irish Road Safety Week, with all road users being asked to "get a grip" with tyre checks.
According to research carried out by the Road Safety Authority, poor quality tyres are a contributory factor in one in ten fatal crashes.
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RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide said they estimate that defective tyres could be a contributory factor in as many as one in ten fatal crashes annually, resulting in approximately 14 deaths each year.
That finding is based on their analysis of garda forensic road collision reports.
He said they are asking people not to wait for their NCT test to assess if their tyres are fit for purpose.
"Conduct a regular walk-around of your car and check your tyres", Mr Waide said.
"Check the tread depth, look for cuts, cracks, or bulges. Take your car to the local forecourt or ITIA dealer and check the pressure.
"If your vehicle's tyres show signs of deterioration, you should have them replaced immediately."
That advice is echoed by Sue O Neill, CEO of the Irish Tyre Industry Association, who said drivers who are not confident to assess their tyres can avail of a free tyre check by the experts.
"They can give drivers the peace of mind that their vehicle is safe on the road."
Tomorrow on Tyre Safety Day, gardaí will be conducting roadside tyre checks nationwide alongside members of the Road Safety Authority.
They have issued a warning that with more people now back on the roads since Covid-19 restrictions have eased, tyres may not have been checked for some time.
They have issued a reminder too that motorists found to have defective tyres can be given penalty points.
Chief Superintendent Mick Hennebry of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said motorists could "risk up to four penalty points if convicted and a fixed penalty of up to €120".
